Inverness Information, Attractions and Things To See & Do

Inverness is the Capital City of the Scottish Highlands and is the main administrative centre with a population of approximately 40,000 people. The City has continued to growing largely due to Inverness airport and its location in the Highlands with cheap flights from the principle English Cities giving urban dwellers access to the delights of the Highlands of Scotland.

Inverness City Centre retains its character as a market town but also offers visitors an excellent, central base to visit the many attractions from Loch Ness with “Nessie” the world famous Loch Ness Monster to the west, the Black Isle to the north and Culloden Moor to the east. The City now offers a huge choice of restaurants with all tastes, diets and budgets taken care of. We have listed below some of the key visitor attractions, places to go and things to see and do in Inverness and the Highlands of Scotland.

Jacobite Cruises – Jacobite has been sailing Loch Ness for over 30 years with a five-star fleet, a passionate crew and a choice of exciting cruise and tour options. Sailing to the heart of the mystery and legend of loch Ness is more unforgettable than ever. So, whether you want to go on a cruise, explore Urquhart Castle or visit the fascinating Loch Ness Exhibition Centre, Jacobite has the experience, the enthusiasm, and the fleet to provide ultimate, magical, Loch Ness experience!

Lightstalkers Scotland – Would you like to improve your photography while taking in some of the Highland’s most spectacular scenery? Join multi-award winning Master Photographer Glen C Campbell for a tour, workshop or day’s tuition and bring your photography to another level. From beginners to advanced enthusiasts you’ll be learning in a fun and relaxed environment with guaranteed results. Day trips are run on demand and private tuition is also available. Location options include Loch Ness, Glen Affric, Torridon, Cairngorm National Park, Isle of Skye and Glencoe but anywhere is possible by request.

Highland Spirits Loch Cruises – No vacation to the Scottish Highlands is complete without a visit to the beautiful and mystic Loch Ness and there is no better way to see the Loch than on a boat trip. Highland Free Spirits specialise in exclusive cruises on a luxurious modern motor cruiser. They offer much more than just a tour and invite you to join them to spend some very special time together on the Loch that has been a huge part of their lives for many years.

Loch Ness Nessieland – Learn about Loch Ness and Nessie the Loch Ness Monster with information and fun things to see and do for all the family.

Legend Of Nessie – The Ultimate and Official Loch Ness Monster site, with up-to-date information and photographs of new and past sightings. A must for all Nessie enthusiasts.

Inverness Tours – The Finest Private Scottish Highland History, Heritage & Scenery Tours. Enjoy The Homecoming Year With The Very Best Heritage Guiding.

Ace Adventures – Ace Adventure are the Highland White Water Rafting Specialists providing outdoor adventure activities based from Aviemore, the River Findhorn and the Strathspey, home to the picturesque Cairngorm National Park.

WOW Scotland – Walking Adventures in the Scottish Highlands. Get off the beaten track and discover some of the finest scenery that the Highlands has to offer with a guided walking tour.

River Ness – This wide peaceful river flowing through the city of Inverness is great for fishing salmon.

Glen Affric – West of Loch Ness about 40 minutes from Inverness by car Glen Affric offers spectacular scenery and a variety of walking routes ranging from half a mile to 16 miles and from easy to demanding. The lochs, waterfalls, mountains and woodland combine to create an area of great beauty and tranquility.

Culloden Battlefield – This battlefield marks the site of the historic 1746 battle between the Duke of Cumberland and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Happy Tours – On foot tours of the City with Cameron who is both entertaining and informative.

Inverness Historic Trail – taking in the Victorian Gothic Town House, Dunbars Hospital (built in 1668 as a hospital for the poor) the Old High Church (the original church was built in the 12th century), Balnain House (a Georgian town house dating from 1726 and used as a hospital for Hanoverian soldiers after the Battle of Culloden), Tollbooth Steeple (erected in 1791 and rising to 54 metres to where three bronze bellshang in the spire) and several other buildings of note.

Nigg Old Church – a fine example of a Scottish parish church and – since it houses a magnificent Pictish stone of the late eighth century, carved with Pictish symbols and Christian imagery – it is likely that it stands on what has been a place of Christian worship for at least 1200 years.

Hugh Miller’s Cottage and Museum – The museum comprises an elegant three-storey Georgian villa housing six rooms of exhibits covering the 19th century naturalist and geologist’s life and work, and the thatched 18th century cottage next door where he was born.

Groam House Museum – is an outstanding Pictish Centre for Ross and Cromarty. The unique display is focussed on 15 carved Pictish stones. All the stones originated in Rosemarkie, some dating back to the 8th century AD, when it was an important centre of early Christianity

Fort George & The Queen’s Own Highlanders Regimental Museum – The Museum comprises a unique collection of medals, uniforms and accoutrements, weapons, paintings and prints, colours and pipe banners, mess plate, ceramics, and other artefacts covering the history of the regiment back to 1778. The Museum also has a comprehensive library and archive collection to which researchers are welcome, and this includes original sources and published material on Fort George.

Wedding Photographer Scotland – Margaret Soraya is an award winning photographer based in Inverness offering wedding photography throughout Scotland and the Scottish islands.